Pittsburgh-area Woman Admits Purchasing Gun for Felon

PITTSBRUGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of falsification of a firearms purchase form, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Edwina Yancey, 31, of East Pittsburgh, Pa. pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 28, 2014, Edwina Yancey, with the intent to deceive a licensed firearms dealer, made a false statement in connection with her purchase of a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol. Following her purchase of the pistol, Edwina Yancey transferred it to a person she knew to be a convicted felon, who was prohibited from possessing the pistol.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11, 2016. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edwina Yancey.